Dead Caribou

April 30, 1985

TORONTO — The frozen carcasses of 1,300 caribou that drowned last October still litter the Quebec riding of Manicouagan. On the way: The spring thaw. Consequence: Health and environmental problems if the carcasses rot. Prompted by health officials who fear the thaw will ruin the meat, the federal government has ordered five C-130 Hercules transport planes to help airlift the dead caribou. Private planes hired by Environment Canada could not move fast enough to complete the job in time, airlift officials said. Destination of the carcasses: A pet-food plant in Montreal.